Tate McRae’s Team USA Olympics Ad Sparks Backlash
Let me start by admitting two things. First, while I like the whole concept, I’m not a huge fan of the Olympics. And secondly, I love Tate McRae. He is a supernova, a talent that cannot be ignored and, above all, a Canadian icon.
Why am I telling you this? Because our Calgary-born Tate is under fire over an Olympics-related controversy. (Not a sentence I thought I would ever write on the Internet.) And I unfortunately don’t think I can defend it.
Basically, the 2026 Winter Olympics will take place on February 6. And on February 3, Tate posted a very interesting ad on his Instagram, promoting the games for NBCUniversal. Even I, as someone who doesn’t normally watch the Olympics, was SITTING DOWN to see her in this commercial. But then I pressed play.
In the video, she’s skiing down a hill (she looks amazing, TBH) and she exclaims that she’s “lost.” Then the bomb drops. “I’m trying to get to Milan for an amazing opening ceremony,” Tate says, “and meet the American team.”
“Then back to the States for the big game,” she continues, while her absolutely iconic song “Nobody’s Girl” plays in the background. “Super Bowl 60!”
In case you need me to explain that to you, Tate. East. CANADIAN. And joining Team USA is a particularly bold move given how tense our relationship with the United States has been lately.
So, of course, Canadians on the internet aren’t too happy with Tate’s decision to be the face of this very American ad for the Olympics. And as a Tate fan, can I blame them? Absolutely not. I am equally disappointed.
On the other hand, however, some people are defending Tate and reminding people that it’s just an advertisement:
So, what do you think of Tate’s appearance in this ad? Do you think Canadians’ anger is justified? Or do you think we should all sit back and relax, because good old Tate probably just wanted to make money? Tell me in the comments below!
And for more content that’s so Canadian, you should check out BuzzFeed Canada on TikTok and Instagram for more! (Yes, including Team Canada Olympics content!)
